6 Iconic Home Design Tips from ‘The Father of the Bride’

There’s no denying that “The Father of Bride” lives on as one of the greatest rom-com movies of the early 1990s. Featuring an all-star cast, including Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short, the movie primarily takes place in the Banks family’s Colonial Revival-style house as they prepare for the surprise wedding of their only daughter.

While the scenes of Steve Martin dancing in the attic and falling out of a window have become iconic over the years, so has the design of the family’s quintessential ‘90s home. Before watching the 2022 “Father of the Bride” remake, take a closer look at some of the 1991 movie’s decor and design choices and discover how to get the look in your modern home.

1. Use French Doors to Separate Rooms

Before open-concept kitchens became the prominent design in modern homes, many first-floor rooms were separated by doors. This scene from “The Father of the Bride” showcases the French doors that divide the family’s kitchen, dining room, and living room. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to an open-concept space that allows more privacy, consider installing interior French doors, which create separate areas but make it easy to see into the next room. The cost to install interior French doors is about $250 to $500 per door.

2. Make the Fireplace the Central Focus

If you look past the sullen faces of Diane Keaton and Steve Martin, you’ll see an ornate fireplace that’s worth smiling about. If you’re designing a room with a fireplace, make that special feature the room’s central focus and position furniture, rugs, and home decor around it. 

On the other hand, if you’re interested in considering the cost of adding a wood-burning fireplace to your home, you can expect to pay about $2,180 for its installation. Consider hiring a wood stove services company near you to install the fireplace of your dreams.

3. Elevate Your Staircase Design

There’s no better way to make an entrance than down a grand staircase. In this pivotal scene, the daughter, Annie, appears after returning from a study-abroad trip with her new fianceė. But it’s hard to focus on the plotline instead of taking in this simple-yet-elegant staircase design.

There are many ways to transform your staircase, but the best tip to take away from this scene is to use wainscoting to elevate your stair design. Colonial homes typically feature raised-panel wainscoting, so be sure to request that service when hiring a local contractor to revamp your stairwell.

4. Create Space for Fun Activities 

When designing your home, it’s easy to get caught up in creating an Instagram-worthy aesthetic or filling your space with the most modern appliances and features. But don’t forget to create space for your household members to enjoy their favorite activities, whether that’s basketball, crafting, or reading.

If you’re ready to add a hoop to your driveway so you can create bonding moments like this scene from “The Father of the Bride,” find a professional basketball hoop installer near you to make it happen.

5. Install Double-Hung Windows

Although we don’t recommend hanging on double-hung windows like Steve Martin’s character, this window type is a great way to add style and natural light to any room. In contrast to single-hung windows, double-hung windows provide plenty of ventilation, plus they’re easier to clean. 

When installed from floor-to-ceiling, double-hung windows make it seem like the outside is practically inside. If this scene inspires you to replace your windows, the cost to replace a double-hung window is $400. 

6. Use Lush Landscaping to Divide Your Backyard

When designing your ideal backyard, it can be difficult to separate each area, especially when including a garden, sitting area, and activity space. But this outdoor scene from “The Father of the Bride” shows how you can use landscaping to your advantage. 

Instead of installing fences or dividing walls, consider placing landscaping features, such as bushes, hedges, or purposeful plants, in strategic spots. Need help bringing your outdoor design to life? Hire a professional landscaper near you to get the job done.